Enalapril maleate

Enalapril Maleate (ENALAPRIL MALEATE)

Warnings

Anaphylactoid and Possibly Related Reactions

Presumably because angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors affect the metabolism of eicosanoids and polypeptides, including endogenous bradykinin, patients receiving ACE inhibitors (including enalapril maleate) may be subject to a variety of adverse reactions, some of them serious.

Head and Neck Angioedema

Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported in patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, including enalapril maleate. This may occur at any time during treatment. In such cases enalapril maleate should be promptly discontinued and appropriate therapy and monitoring should be provided until complete and sustained resolution of signs and symptoms has occurred.

Intestinal Angioedema

Intestinal angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); in some cases there was no prior history of facial angioedema and C1 esterase levels were normal.

Anaphylactoid Reactions During Desensitization

Two patients undergoing desensitizing treatment with hymenoptera venom while receiving ACE inhibitors sustained life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions.

Hypotension

Excessive hypotension is rare in uncomplicated hypertensive patients treated with enalapril maleate alone. Patients with heart failure given enalapril maleate commonly have some reduction in blood pressure, especially with the first dose.

Neutropenia/Agranulocytosis

Another angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, has been shown to cause agranulocytosis and bone marrow depression, rarely in uncomplicated patients but more frequently in patients with renal impairment, especially if they also have a collagen vascular disease.

Hepatic Failure

Rarely, ACE inhibitors have been associated with a syndrome that starts with cholestatic jaundice and progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis, and (sometimes) death.

Fetal Toxicity

Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death.

FAQ

Q: What is enalapril maleate used for?

A: Enalapril maleate is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Q: What are the common side effects of enalapril maleate?

A: Common side effects may include dizziness, lightheadedness, cough, and fatigue. More serious side effects may include swelling of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis, and/or larynx.

Q: Is enalapril safe to use during pregnancy?

A: Enalapril should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause fetal toxicity, potentially leading to fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. It is important to discontinue enalapril as soon as pregnancy is detected.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or medication.